Stacy Zion receives Chinese cup therapy from Ivy Tu. The process releases pressure and toxins in the body by placing the cups over acupressure points.

Our bodies are like a miniature Earth. We must provide our body the proper nutrients it needs in order for it to thrive. If we treat our body well, it will reward us with good health.

This is the philosophy of Ivy's Therapy Center located at 13485 Road 23. Wendy Wang, owner and massage therapist, has been serving Cortez for nearly eight years, the last four of those in the pink home located on Road 23.

She was able to expand her services to include personal sauna access in each of her three massage rooms, lunch or dinner prepared by Wang or her husband Al, consisting of a healthy combination of steamed items, and a relaxation room.

She caters to her clients, hoping that each person she assists leaves feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. She deems herself a healer, because Wang doesn't just rub a client's stress, pain and worry away- she sucks it out.

Wang practices cupping, the ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves different sizes of rounded cups, placed on the various acupuncture points on the body. These cups provide a vacuum-like suction over the area to release pressure and toxins from the body.

Cupping will leave small red circles wherever the treatment is done. These "bruised" markings may last for three or more days, depending on the client's skin sensitivity. Some cupping can be done with heat or water, Wang uses suction. It is painless but the client can feel the pressure from the suction. Wang includes cupping with each of her massage packages, provided the client readily needs the service.

"Cupping is good treatment for people who have been in car wrecks, had surgeries or need detoxing," Wang said. "It brings up the immune system to make it strong. That's why I don't get sick."

Wang, at 64, has nimble hands, abundant energy and all-around good health. She has been involved in cupping treatments for more than 12 years, soon after she was diagnosed with cancer. She firmly believes cupping played a strong role in helping her get well. Chemotherapy treatments left her sick and weak, so she stopped and stuck to a dedicated routine of cupping. After she became healthy again, Wang vowed to bring this healing to whomever crossed her path.

"I treat a lot of hospital employees, teachers and even children," Wang said. "Many doctors bring their kids to me, because they know how effective it (cupping) is."

Wang, her husband and their daughter Ivy Tu, for whom her business is named, are the sole proprietors of the business. Over the last seven years, she has built a loyal clientele, with the bulk of her customers opting for cupping treatments.

Wang said after they do it once, they come back every month. She compared the human body to a car, saying routine maintenance, such as detoxification treatments, are important for blood circulation and preventing illness.

It's also one of the most effective ways to get rid of pain.

Wang's clients include people with back injuries chronic headaches and more.

Wang does not take over the counter medicines, drink soda or eat greasy foods. She is disturbed by the amount of toxic foods many people eat.

"This Earth is not healthy anymore," Wang said. "There is too much pollution."

A devout Christian who is active with the Evangel Assembly of God Church, Wang sees it as her calling to help relieve her patients of pain and introduce a new way of cleansing. She knows her services could cost more; salons all over the country charge for individual cupping sessions that range from $15 to $150 a session.

"I don't get sick," Wang said, once again. "I've never had the flu. I know how to eat and drink healthy. When people call to cancel because they are sick I tell them, no, come anyway. This is my calling. To heal."

Wang is humble and thankful. She gives all of the gratuities she receives from clients to a child educational fund in Taiwan, her home country. She believes that her mission in life is to make people feel better, no matter what ails them. She has used cupping treatments for back pain, headaches, abdominal pain, knee problems, stress relief and to treat signs of depression.